THE state government is pouring money into the local wine industry with its Wine Growth Fund.
\nLaunched last week, the fund aims to develop and sustainably grow the wine industry in Victoria by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to build both domestic and international markets.
\nApplications are now open for grants of up to $20,000 for individual organisations and $50,000 for collaborative projects involving more than one organisation.
\nprojects that increase wine tourism and cellar door sales, foster export markets and deliver skills and training for business development.
\nFunding is provided on a co-contribution basis of $1 to $1 to the maximum grant amount.
\nApplications are open to businesses or organisations directly involved in the Victorian wine industry, including the growing, production and marketing of wine, businesses or organisations that act as service providers to the wine industry and groups of individuals, businesses or organisations.
\nWine Victoria chair Damien Sheehan said his organisation welcomed the state government\u2019s support of the wine industry at a time when many of the industry were doing it tough.
\n\u201cThe investment announced today gives us the ability to partner with the government on key issues \u201cAs the Australian dollar drops and the strength of Victoria\u2019s tourism grows, now is the time to increase the world\u2019s knowledge of our premium wine offering by increasing cellar door visitation and growing exports in key markets.\u201d
\nThe Wine Growth Fund is part of the state government\u2019s $1 million election commitment to boost the wine industry, which also includes the Wine Industry Development Strategy and the formation of the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee.
\nMinister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said Victoria\u2019s premium wine was the envy of the nation.
\n\u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re supporting the industry to ensure the world continues to demand our products.
\nThis is about investing in our growers, our industry bodies and the entire supply chain.
\n\u201cThese grants will help producers, intermediaries and representative bodies to maximise the opportunities available to better market and export some of Australia\u2019s best wine.\u201d
\nFor more information on the grant program, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au\/wine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE state government is pouring money into the local wine industry with its Wine Growth Fund. Launched last week, the fund aims to develop and sustainably grow the wine industry in Victoria by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to build both domestic and international markets. Applications are now open for grants of […]<\/p>\n